Moving on

I've created a new blog, now that I have a new name and a new life! The new blog is amyerichuntsman.blogspot.com. I'll do my best to keep it up-to-date, as most of you live far away and this is the only way to share what's going on in our lives! So, remove this address as my blog and add the new one. Hope to see you on the new blog soon!

The Draper Utah Temple

A few weeks ago I attended the Draper Temple Open House. Amy (my roommate) and I went together on a quiet, beautiful Saturday afternoon. The peace and serenity of that holy house was overwhelming. Those feelings were strong and I have been reminded of them since the visit. Today I experienced those feelings again, but with more love and power as I attended the dedication of the temple. I feel impressed to share those feelings and the testimony I gained while being a part of this sacred experience.

One speaker shared the following scripture: "For thus saith the Lord - I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end" (D&C 76:5). Upon hearing that familiar scripture, I recognized how much I truly do love the Lord, and when I fear Him it is out of love. I don't want to do anything to disappoint Him, or to keep me from His spirit & presence. But I do need to remember that He is merciful and He loves me. He wants me to be clean and pure and He'll help me obtain the forgiveness I seek. Through the power of the atonement I can be healed from heartache, even if it's heartache I impose on myself. With the atonement comes a level of trust that He'll heal and forgive, upon condition that I'll accept what He's done for me. Not only in the temple dedication, but in my prayers this morning I recognized that I need to utilize the healing power of the atonement. With that recognition today I felt love and peace that words cannot describe. My heart is so full of love and gratitude for that sweet tender mercy of feeling His power and love for me.

President Monson stood to share his remarks prior to offering the dedicatory prayer. As he stood, I had a flash of inspiration. I felt that I was experiencing something similar to the Nephites when King Benjamin called them to the temple so he could speak to them. Overwhelming joy flooded me as I recognized the significance of the prophet of God standing before me, to teach me and to testify of the restoration of the gospel and the blessing of temples. He shared a story in his sweet, poetic manner. He was invited to a funeral of a young mother who left behind 7 children. As he entered the mortuary for the viewing, he saw the husband and 7 kids all lined up by the casket. With tears in his eyes, he stood before the open casket and mourned the loss of this dear woman. He felt someone tugging on his hand - it was the youngest of the 7 children. She said, "Brother Monson, don't cry. When mommy knew she was going to die, she told us not to cry because we would see each other again. She told us that because she & daddy were married in the temple, we'll all be together again one day. I trust mommy because mommy never lied." That tender example of a child's unwavering faith strengthened me and gave me courage to keep pressing forward.

I had one last thought during the dedicatory prayer. As President Monson was saying the prayer, I recognized how blessed I am to be living at this time, in this dispensation, and even more specifically, here in the Salt Lake Valley. I am so blessed to experience the fulfillment of prophecy as the earth is being flooded with temples. Who am I to be so fortunate to live at this time, to experience these blessings and see these prophecies? What is my purpose in being here at this time? I don't have the answers, but I trust Heavenly Father and know that He knows. He has a plan that I don't understand but I trust it with all my heart. I recognize I am not perfect and it will be a really long time before I am. And guess what? He knows that too, and he'll be patient with me as I struggle as long as I trust Him and accept His unconditional love. He'll help me be the woman He knows I can be and needs me to be, again upon condition that I want the same thing for my life.

I love the Lord. As Nephi said, "Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord..." My heart is so full of love and gratitude for all that I am blessed with, and especially for the tender mercies I am showered with.

How many times...

...have I said "I'll try to be better at updating my blog"? Too many to count. Facebook has replaced my blogging world, although I'm not very good at updating that either.

I love life - I really do. It's so hard sometimes but I know that's how it's supposed to be. If it wasn't trying and challenging I wouldn't progress. I wouldn't be tested to limits beyond what I think I can handle. And despite all of the trials and frustrations, I know I am so blessed and have so much to be grateful for.

I am most grateful for the love I feel from everyone around me, and the love I feel for others. There isn't anything in my life I am more grateful for. Love is the driving force behind all that I do and all that I am. I am learning to love in ways I didn't know I could, and I am recognizing all of the ways I am loved as well.

Maybe I'll update this at some point in time...but no promises!